Chef Manager

BaptistCare NSW & ACT; Forster; Hybrid; AUD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tax-free salary packaging up to $18, À

Job summary

BaptistCare NSW & ACT in Forster is seeking a hands-on Chef Manager to lead daily kitchen operations, guide a small team, and deliver a modern, high-quality dining experience for residents.

You’ll shape a compassionate kitchen culture, ensure meals are nutritious and well presented, and bring fresh ideas while maintaining safety and HACCP standards. This is a salaried full-time role at the Kularoo Centre in Forster.

Qualifications

• A qualification in commercial cookery.
• Experience cooking for large groups.
• Strong knowledge of food safety and HACCP.
• Ability to lead and support a team.
• Ability to cook a wide range of foods while preserving nutrition and flavour.
• Clear communication and a warm, customer-focused approach.
• Willingness to learn, adapt and contribute to a positive team culture.
• Prior experience in larger catering operations or large aged care catering.

Skills

Team leadership

Food safety HACCP

Large group cooking

Nutrition and flavour

Communication skills

Willingness to learn

Aged care catering experience

Education

Commercial cookery qualification

Job description

Chef Manager

• Full time 76 hours per fortnight Forster based
• Have a fresh, passionate approach to our kitchenand lead with inclusivity
• Bring accountability, creativity and teamwork to a role where your ideas matter
• Shape meaningful dining experiences with compassion and a modern approach to food

At BaptistCare, we believe food is so much more than what’s on a plate. It's comfort, connection, celebration, and often the highlight of someone's day. We're looking for a passionate and experienced Chef Manager who wants to bring heart, creativity and leadership to a role where they can genuinely make a difference in the lives of older Australians.

If you're the kind of chef who believes every meal should be prepared with care, every resident should feel heard, and every team member should feel valued, we'd love to hear from you.

About the role

We’re looking for a Chef Manager who brings energy, creativity and a genuine passion for food. You’ll oversee daily kitchen operations. You will guide a small team and set the tone for a modern, high‑quality dining experience while managing change. You’ll work closely with residents and staff to understand their preferences, introduce fresh ideas and ensure every meal is safe, nutritious and well presented. This is a hands‑on leadership role suited to someone who enjoys shaping a kitchen culture, refining processes and lifting the standard of what great food looks like in a care environment.

This is a salaried role. Remuneration to be discussed

About BaptistCare Kularoo Centre, Forster

Set in the picturesque seaside town of Forster, Kularoo Centre is a well‑established and valuable part of the local community. Located just around the corner from nearby shops and amenities, you will enjoy the best of convenience and nature.

Designed in a country homestead style, the well‑loved centre provides 160 beds catering to all levels of care, including respite, Ageing in Place, dementia, and palliative care.

About the team

You’ll join a supportive, down‑to‑earth team that values collaboration, open communication and a genuine commitment to making life better for the people we serve. We work with flexibility, respect and a shared focus on delivering food and service that feels personal, thoughtful and consistent.

Why join us

At BaptistCare, we value our employees and foster a positive, inclusive work environment. We offer competitive salaries, tax‑free salary packaging up to $18,550*, discounted gym memberships and novated car leasing. You’ll enjoy work‑life balance through flexible arrangements and additional leave options. Our wellbeing initiatives include free counselling, spiritual support and nutrition advice. You’ll also have access to learning and development programs, including LinkedIn Learning, and study assistance up to $3,000 per year.

About you

You’re a confident and motivated chef who enjoys leading a team and bringing fresh ideas to the table. You don’t need aged care experience; what matters most is your passion for food, your ability to work with variety and your commitment to delivering a great experience for customers. You bring:

• a qualification in commercial cookery
• experience cooking for large groups
• strong knowledge of food safety and HACCP principles
• confidence leading and supporting a team
• the ability to cook a wide range of foods while preserving nutrition and flavour
• clear communication skills and a warm, customer‑focused approach
• a willingness to learn, adapt and contribute to a positive team culture
• Previous experience in larger catering operations or large aged care catering

About us

BaptistCare is a leading purpose‑led care organisation, guided by our Christian identity and serving people and communities across Australia for more than 110 years. We support people to live better through aged care, home care, retirement living, community services, disability support and housing. More than 70,000 customers, 12,000 employees and close to 2,000 volunteers are part of our communities across Australia.

BaptistCare – Inspired by Jesus to champion care for all

Successful candidates will be subject to background checks including a national criminal history check, reference checks and, if applicable, WWCC, NDIS worker screening and a pre‑employment medical.

Recruitment agencies: This position is managed directly by our Talent Acquisition team. Unsolicited CVs or candidate profiles will not be accepted.